The focus on cow comfort has come a long way in the past 30 years. With this, facility design has also evolved. There’s no question farmers put a high priority on comfort and the increased profitability that comes along with it. This is evident from changes in stall size, a focus on ventilation, and […]
Did you know that within the initial 6 months of a dairy calf’s existence, half of its total stature growth and a quarter of its weight gain happens? The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association’s Gold Standards notes why the period following weaning is as pivotal as the weeks leading up to it. Hence, calves in […]
Designing the holding pen with airflow and evaporative cooling in mind might help keep the cows comfortable. A cow’s internal temperature can rise rapidly in the holding pen without any cooling system. These heat abatement difficulties necessitate a more robust cooling technique for the parlor and holding pen. Each cow is allotted around 15 […]
Compost bedded pack barns are becoming an increasingly popular alternative housing arrangement for many dairy farmers’ lactating herds. Previous research has fueled the growth in popularity, owing mainly to evidence that cows housed in CBP barns had enhanced cow comfort, heat detection, decreased lameness issues, and, in several studies, decreased somatic cell count. However, producers […]
In the last few years, heat stress management has taken the spotlight in the dairy industry. Global warming is cranking up the thermostat. As a result, we experience relentless heat waves—and not just where we expect them. It’s shifting the climate playbook globally. For instance, let’s take a look at Israel. In some areas […]
In the past four decades, we’ve seen a massive leap in milk production per cow. These are all thanks to nutrition, genetics, and even management innovations. But let’s not kid ourselves; it’s a double-edged sword. Sure, we’re seeing bumper milk yields, but we’re also witnessing increased heat stress issues among lactating and close-up cows. This […]
Have you ever dashed into the barn office on a freezing farm day to escape the biting cold? That sudden warmth is an instant mood lifter, isn’t it? Newborn calves feel the same way. Newborn dairy calves are vulnerable in the cold since they have only 2–4% body fat. That’s why warming rooms and commercial […]
No two calf facilities are alike. Its variations can range from size to shape. It is crucial to customize your facilities because what works for one producer might not be enough for another. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Such customization must take into account particular demands and requirements. However, it’s not all about customization. There […]
Humans and calves are more similar than we think. Do you know that there is research to support the advantages of raising calves in pairs? Jennifer Van Os, a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, highlights the need to do so. Van Os believes that when calves grow up with a companion, they exhibit […]
Shielding young calves from winter weather can be challenging. Sometimes, attempts to protect them from harsh winds and frigid temperatures can unintentionally disrupt proper airflow. This usually results in compromised air quality. What’s worse is that it can increase the risk of pneumonia. Therefore, you’re treading a fine line if your goal is to maintain […]
